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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
High-resolution Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods for Human Midbrain
Published on: May 10, 2012
Midline abnormalities and psychopathology: how reliable is the midsagittal magnetic resonance "window" into the
R Coppola1, M Myslobodsky, D R Weinberger
1Clinical Brain Disorders Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Neuroscience Center, Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Washington, DC 20032, USA.
Abstract:
The argument is made that mensuration of midsagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images is plagued with methodological errors due to confusion of the midsagittal MR image and the mesial brain surface. Several examples are given to demonstrate the effects of slice thickness and orientation on the size and shape of mesial structures. The benefits of examining contiguous slices and the necessity of consulting coronal and transaxial cuts in mensuration efforts of midsagittal cuts are emphasized.
Insights
Accurate brain measurements require careful consideration of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) slice orientation. Methodological errors in midsagittal MRI mensuration can be avoided by understanding image properties and using multiple views.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Anatomy
- Medical Imaging Analysis
Background:
- Mensuration of midsagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images is crucial for anatomical studies.
- Existing methods are susceptible to methodological errors, particularly confusing the image plane with the actual brain surface.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight methodological errors in midsagittal MR image mensuration.
- To demonstrate the impact of slice thickness and orientation on measurements.
- To advocate for improved mensuration techniques.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of midsagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images.
- Demonstration of effects of varying slice thickness and orientation.
- Comparison of midsagittal measurements with coronal and transaxial views.
Main Results:
- Confusion between the midsagittal MR image plane and the mesial brain surface leads to significant mensuration errors.
- Slice thickness and orientation critically influence the perceived size and shape of mesial brain structures.
- Contiguous slice examination and multiplanar views (coronal, transaxial) are essential for accurate mensuration.
Conclusions:
- Meticulous attention to slice orientation and thickness is vital for reliable midsagittal MR image mensuration.
- Integrating coronal and transaxial views with midsagittal data improves measurement accuracy.
- Standardized protocols are needed to mitigate errors in brain mensuration using MR imaging.
